Some people associate elevators with the concept of vertical movement. Which is fair because that is literally their sole purpose. However, for a larger group of people, elevators represent anxiety and terror. This could be due to their small, confined spaces but could also be the result of their ability to climb extreme heights often at high rates of speed. Either way, let’s review how scary having a Fear of Elevators really is!
Fear of Elevators is Rising
Did you know many businesses around the world omit the 13th floor from their elevators? As if elevators weren’t scary enough, adding superstition to the reasons not to enter one is just icing on top of the Fear cake. Not having a button for the 13th floor also makes it difficult for small businesses to survive when most of their potential customers cannot even access the floor they operate on. Elevators are responsible for the demise of many entrepreneurs around the world. When they are not crippling the global economy, elevators can also get stuck between floors for hours at a time. They can also suddenly plummet for no discernible reason. This may be a reason why many people prefer to take the stairs.
As noted before, it’s possible a Fear of Elevators stems from the fact humans often have to squish closer together than most people are comfortable with. This not only creates a feeling of claustrophobia, but can often be unsanitary. As soon as the doors close and the elevator ascends to the 25th floor, someone will start coughing or sneezing on everyone else for the duration of the trip. Which is typically not what most people are looking for. If I had written a Movie Review on Devil, this would be a great place to make a reference and encourage you to read that Review too. Fortunately, I did write a review on The Platform which is close enough! While you’re at it, go tell your friends to check out Things I Fear on Facebook. Elevators, elevators, increase word count, and next paragraph!
Opening the Doors on Fear of Elevators
Most people will never encounter an elevator in their normal, everyday lives. They are widely regarded as the Loch Ness Monsters of the transportation industry. While many businesses operate within skyscrapers that have dozens of floors, they also provide stairs as an alternative method of reaching your destination. Stairs are a great way to keep in shape as they are often more physically demanding compared to standing perfectly still and allowing a machine to do the work. Stairs are also better for things like escaping from fires since most fires cannot climb stairs. It’s hard to argue the convenience of an elevator, however, and science tells us you are more likely to be eaten by a shark than die in an elevator. Unless the shark is in the same elevator as you. Then science recommends taking the stairs.